The 'Secret Decks' would be more accurately described as public observation balconies that not everyone knows about.

Which Carnival Ships Have 'Secret Decks'?

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnical Ecstasy
• Carnical Elation
• Carnical Fantasy
• Carnical Fascination
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnical Imagination
• Carnical Inspiration
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Sensation
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Miracle® Cigarette smoking (including electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers) are permitted in the following areas: Mr. Lucky’s Casino: Smoking is permitted while playing at designated slot machines and table games.

Note: The only Carnival ships without any 'Secret Decks' are the four Spirit Class ships: Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride & Carnival Spirit along with the Mardi Gras coming in 2020.

View the Locations & Access Routes for all Carnival 'Secret Decks' below.

The 'Secret Decks' Are Free For All Cruisers To Use

So that we do not confuse people looking for information about these areas we will continue to refer to them as 'Secret Decks'. Let it be known though, there is not much 'secret' about the 'Secret Decks' these days. Although, if you didn't know they existed or how to access them, they would still be very 'secret' to you. As widely known about as these areas are today, they are still relatively private in comparison to other areas of the ship and offer a great place to get away from the crowd and experience some great views.

The 'Secret Decks' are located at the very front of the ship and will be found on varying decks depending on the ship. These areas are typically accessed through a door located on either side of the ship all the way forward. In most cases you will not find a sign on the access doors explaining where they lead. There will typically be two doors to go through in order to access these areas. Always close the first door before opening the second (there may be a sign informing you of this). You ask why? The ocean breeze combined with the ship movement will funnel wind through the the doorway at a high rate of speed. Ever stick your head out of the car window while riding down the road at 50mph ...same affect and the same reason why you shouldn't open your cabin hallway door and balcony door at the same time.

The access doors to the 'Secret Decks' may be locked at night and at times of high winds. If the doors are locked just try again at another time. It can be very windy & cool on these decks while the ship is cruising, for this reason some of the best times to experience the 'Secret Decks' are while docked.

Carnival 'Secret Deck' Locations & Access

Select an option from the selection box below to view that specific 'Secret Deck' location and access routes.

Secret Deck Notes:

• Spirit Class: The Spirit Class Ships - Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit do not have any 'Secret Decks'. The only forward facing balcony area on these ships is on the Lido Deck (above the bridge).
• Crew R&R area: The open area at the very bow of the ship is a Crew R&R area. Guests will NOT have access to this area. This is one of the areas where the crew can relax, away from the guests, when off duty. Typically there will be a hot tub or two on this deck.
• Interior Category 4J Cabins: The cabins colored in maroon adjacent to the 'Secret Decks' on the selection options above are 'Interior Category 4J Cabins'. They are listed as 'Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)' cabins. These rooms are typically priced quite a bit higher than your standard interior cabins. Their proximity to the 'Secret Decks' can make them a decent deal at times for someone looking for this amenity close by.
• Conquest Class Ships - Secret Deck 5: On all Carnival Conquest Class ships (Carnival Conquest, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Valor) the secret deck on Deck 5 is 'Crew Only'.

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The Carnival Inspiration. (Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival ships present an affordable party at sea complete with waterslides, poolside games and contests, live music and discos that hop into night. The food is decent, the company fun loving. Still, not every experience is for everyone. Here are some things you may want to skip.

1. Steakhouse Selections in the Main Dining Room

It's not that the filet mignon, New York Strip, lobster or surf & turf you can add for $20 at dinner in the main dining room isn't good, it's just that the experience in the fancier and more intimate Carnival steakhouse restaurants is that much better.

Instead: Make a reservation at the Steakhouse and for $35 per person ($10 for kids) dine on gourmet appetizers such as crab cake or escargot, a great steak or Maine lobster ravioli, classic sides such as creamed spinach and wasabi mashed potatoes and a luscious dessert.

2. Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast

We love that Carnival has brought our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2, to sea. It's just that this $5 per person breakfast is kind of gross. The pancakes and waffles are overly sweet, the eggs, well, green. The appearance of costumed characters may enthrall the kids, but there will be food left on their plates (and yours).

Instead: Participate in the Seuss-A-Palooza parade through the promenade (costumes provided) and Story Time event in the theater. Both are complimentary, and sugar free.

3. Food at RedFrog Pub

This pub is on many of the line's ships, serving Carnival's own ThirstyFrog Red Ale. And on Carnival Vista, three different craft beers are made right on the ship. It's worth the $6 or so for a pint, but if you are cruising on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, or Carnival Vista, don't bother with the $3.33-per-item bar snacks.

Instead: Head to the Taste Bar, Every evening there are complimentary tapas at the nearby Taste Bar with samples from a free or specialty restaurant featured each day – so you might get sushi from Bonsai, dumplings from JiJi or even a gourmet bite from the Steakhouse.

4. Thrill Theater

Unless you're a teenager looking to socialize via technology instead of talking, the 4D experience on Breeze and Vista is not all that thrilling. Yes, the floor may move and there are wind and water effects, but you've probably experienced better at theme parks. Plus the 10- to 20-minute movie experience comes with a price tag of $7.95 (or $14.95 for an unlimited pass).

Instead: On Carnival Vista, head to the ship's real IMAX Theatre and see a current blockbuster movie in 3D for $12.95. Or on any of 14 ships in the fleet catch a free flick poolside, at night, on the giant Carnival Seaside Theater screen.

5. Library Bar

The idea of this bar on Breeze, Sunshine and Vista is a quiet, cushy getaway spot for conversation and self-service wine. Not a bad idea, but it hasn't caught on with the Carnival crowd and the space is often empty. If you really wanted people to hang out wouldn't you add a friendly bartender, plus for laptops and, uh, a few more books on the shelves?

Instead: Head to the Piano Bar for a nostalgia fest of music, opportunity to sing along and a jovial crowd.

6. Casino Bar

The only reasons to go to this bar are to observe those at the numerous slot machines and gaming tables or if you're a smoker. Unfortunately smokers dominate the spot; non-smokers will not be pleased.

Slot Machines On Carnival Miracle Deck

Instead: Hang out at the Alchemy Bar where you can order cool concoctions from friendly mixologists and do some great people watching.

Slot Machines On Carnival Miracle Play

7. Stage Shows

Yes, the 45-minute nighttime Playlist production shows are better than the older shows and some of the dancers and singers, performing to pre-recorded soundtracks, have some talent. But we're not talking Broadway!

Spring Carnival Slot Machine

Instead: Head to the Punchliner Comedy Club and see how naughty the comediens get (the later the show, the more R-rated the routine).